Steve Bruce appointed Blues manager

Steve Bruce has been appointed manager of Birmingham City, taking over from caretakers Mick Mills and Jim Barron.

Bruce was presented to the press and supporters at St Andrew's on 12 December, after Blues reached agreement with Crystal Palace, the club he has been managing since the summer.

A row with Palace

Bruce's move has not been straightforward. Crystal Palace were unwilling to let him go, and the two clubs have been in dispute over his departure. The row has now been settled, clearing the way for Bruce to start work.

Bruce, 40, has managed Sheffield United, Huddersfield Town, Wigan Athletic and Crystal Palace since retiring as a player. He has built a reputation as a hard-working, determined manager who gets the best out of his players.

A great career as a player

Bruce was one of the best centre-backs of his generation. He captained Manchester United during their most successful period under Sir Alex Ferguson, winning three league titles, two FA Cups and the European Cup Winners' Cup.

He finished his playing career at Birmingham City, where he spent two seasons in the late 1990s, and knows the club and its supporters well.

The task ahead

Bruce takes over a team in mid-table in the First Division. Blues are some way off the automatic promotion places, but still within reach of the play-offs.

His first task will be to lift a squad that has had a difficult start to the season. The departure of Trevor Francis in October, after a 6-0 defeat at Manchester City in the League Cup, left the club in need of a fresh start.

The club's owners, David Gold and David Sullivan, have made clear that promotion to the Premiership is their priority. They believe Bruce is the man to achieve it.

A frustrated club

Blues have come close to promotion in recent years, reaching the play-off semi-finals three seasons in a row, but losing each time. They also reached the League Cup final last season, losing to Liverpool on penalties.

Supporters are desperate to see the club back in the top flight for the first time since 1986. Bruce knows that expectations are high.

First steps

Bruce is expected to bring in his own backroom staff and to look at strengthening the squad in the January transfer window. He will want players who share his work ethic and determination.

His first game in charge is just days away, and the fans will be hoping for a quick improvement in results.

For Bruce, the job is a big opportunity: a large club with passionate support and ambitious owners, but one that has been waiting a long time for success.